Image processing apparatus, information processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing system

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus has a printing function. A preview original-image creation part creates an original image for preview based on print data. A preview parts-image creation part creates a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment. A preview image synthesis part synthesizes a preview image from the original image for preview and the parts image for preview. A preview image retaining part retains the preview image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/580,164,filed Oct. 13, 2006, which is based on and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from prior Japanese Patent Application No.2005-303290, filed Oct. 18, 2005, the entire contents of each of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to image processing techniquesand, more particularly, to an information processing apparatus such asan image processing apparatus, an image processing method and imageprocessing system, which handle a preview screen image.

2. Description of the Related Art

In an image processing system in which a host personal computer (hostPC) as an example of an information processing apparatus and amulti-function peripheral machine (MFP) as an example of an imageprocessing apparatus are communicably connected with each other, thereis a system having a preview function to check an output resultaccording to a preview image displayed on a screen of the host PC beforesending a print request from the host PC to the MFP.

Usually, such a preview function is provided in software of the host PC.Thus, according to the conventional preview function, an actual outputresult may differ slightly from the preview image. Specifically, thereis a case in which an actual output result differs slightly from apreview image due to differences in resolution and color between the MFPand the host PC.

Patent Document 1 discloses prevention of an actual output result fromdiffering slightly from a preview image by causing a host PC to displaya preview image which is created on a printer side in consideration of aprinting function.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-76512.

Among recent MFPs, there is one provided with a stapling function forstapling a printed matter or a punching function for punching a printedmatter besides a printing function. Such an MFP can check an outputresult according to a preview image but it is difficult to check arelationship between the output result and a stapling position orpunching position.

Accordingly, in a conventional MFP, there is a problem that arelationship between an output result and a stapling position or apunching position is different from what an operator intends to even ifprinting is performed after the operator checked the output resultaccording to a preview image, or there is a problem in that a staple ora punched hole is not prevented from overlapping an image such ascharacters on a printed matter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing technique in which the above-mentioned problems areeliminated. A more specific object of the present invention is toprovide an image processing apparatus, an information processingapparatus, an image processing method and an image processing system,which is capable of displaying a preview image accurately expressing afinished image of a printed matter.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is providedaccording to one aspect of the present invention an image processingapparatus having a printing function, comprising: a previeworiginal-image creation part that creates an original image for previewbased on print data; a preview parts image creation part that creates aparts image for preview peculiar to each equipment; a preview imagesynthesis part that synthesizes a preview image from the original imagefor preview and the parts image for preview; and a preview imageretaining part that retains the preview image.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention,the preview parts-image creation part may create an image of a partformed by a function other than the printing function so as to be theparts image for preview peculiar to each equipment. The previewparts-image creation part may create an image peculiar to each equipmentformed by the printing function so as to be the parts image for previewpeculiar to each equipment.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention mayfurther comprise a format conversion part that converts a format of theprint data supplied from different supply sources into a unified format.

The preview parts-image creation part may render an image of a partwhere stapling or punching is applied to be a part formed by a functionother than the printing function. The preview parts-image creation partmay creates an image of a format or a stamp for synthesis so as to bethe image peculiar to each equipment formed by the printing function.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention,the preview image retained by the preview image retaining part may bedisplayed on a display part of the image processing apparatus or aninformation processing apparatus communicable with the image processingapparatus.

There is provided according to another aspect of the present inventionan image processing method of an image processing apparatus having aprinting function, comprising: a step of creating an original image forpreview based on print data; a step of creating a parts image forpreview peculiar to each equipment; a step of synthesizing a previewimage from the original image for preview and the parts image forpreview; and a step of retaining the preview image.

In the image processing method according to the present invention, thestep of creating a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipmentmay create an image of a part formed by a function other than theprinting function so as to be the parts image for preview peculiar toeach equipment. The step of creating a parts image for preview peculiarto each equipment may create an image peculiar to each equipment formedby the printing function so as to be the parts image for previewpeculiar to each equipment.

The image processing method according to the present invention mayfurther comprise a step of converting a format of the print datasupplied from different supply sources into a unified format. The stepof creating a parts-image for preview peculiar to each equipment mayrender an image of a part where stapling or punching is applied to be animage of a part formed by a function other than the printing function.

In the image processing method according to the present invention, thestep of creating a parts image for preview may create an image of aformat or a stamp for synthesis so as to be the image peculiar to eachequipment formed by the printing function.

The image processing method according to the present invention mayfurther comprise a step of causing a display part of the imageprocessing apparatus or an information processing apparatus communicablewith the image processing apparatus to display the preview imageretained by the step of retaining the preview image.

There is provided according to the present invention an image processingsystem comprising an image processing apparatus having a printingfunction and an information processing apparatus communicably connectedwith the image forming apparatus and making various requests to theimage processing apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatusincludes: a preview original-image creation part that creates anoriginal image for preview based on print data; a preview parts-imagecreation part that creates a parts image for preview peculiar to eachequipment; a preview image synthesis part that synthesizes a previewimage from the original image for preview and the parts image forpreview; and a preview image retaining part that retains the previewimage, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a control partthat requests the preview image of print data to the image processingapparatus and receives the preview image from the image processingapparatus so as to display the received preview image on a display part.

In the image processing system according to the present invention, thepreview parts-image creation part may create an image of a part formedby a function other than the printing function so as to be the partsimage for preview peculiar to each equipment. The preview parts-imagecreation part may create an image peculiar to each equipment formed bythe printing function so as to be the parts image peculiar for previewto each equipment. The image processing system according to the presentinvention may further comprise a format converting part that converts aformat of the print data supplied from different supply sources into aunified format. The preview parts-image creation part may render animage of a part where stapling or punching is applied to be a partformed by a function other than the printing function. The previewparts-image creation part may create an image of a format or a stamp forsynthesis so as to be the image peculiar to each equipment formed by theprinting function.

According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus, aninformation processing apparatus, an image processing method and animage processing system, which is capable of displaying a preview imageaccurately expressing a finish of a printed matter, can be provided.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sequence chart of a process procedure of an image processingsystem different from the image process system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a sequence chart of a process procedure of the imageprocessing system according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart of another process procedure of the imageprocessing system according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart of a process by an image processing systemdifferent from the image processing system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a sequence chart of a process by the image processing systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart of a process by an image processing systemdifferent from the image processing system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart of a process by the image processing systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart of a process by the image processing systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration for explaining an example expressing afeature of the image processing system according to the presentinvention which unifies creation of preview images;

FIG. 11 is an illustration for explaining another example expressing afeature of the image processing system according to the presentinvention which unifies creation of preview images;

FIG. 12 is an illustration for explaining an example expressing afeature of the image processing system according to the presentinvention which unifies creation of preview images on an individual MFPbasis;

FIG. 13 is an illustration for explaining an example expressing afeature of the image processing system according to the presentinvention which creates a finished image as a preview image consideringnot only an output result by a printing function but also a finishaccording to a function other than a printing function;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a process based on a preview image displayrequest from a host PC;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process based on a print request from anoperation panel;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a preview image according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of another preview image according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 is an illustration showing a relationship between a stapleposition and a direction of an output result of a preview image;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are illustrations showing orientations of an originaldocument set in an ADF; and

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a screen for designating an orientation ofan original document set in an ADF.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description will now be given, with reference to the drawings, ofembodiments according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In the image processing systemshown in FIG. 1, a host personal computer (host PC) as an example of aninformation processing apparatus and a multi-function peripheral machine(MFP) 200 as an example of an image processing apparatus arecommunicably connected with each other.

The host PC 100 has a structure comprising a display part 101, a driver102, a user interface (UI) 103 and a communication part 104. The MFP 200has a structure comprising a control part 210, a control panel 250, aread part 260 and a print part 270.

The control part 210 has a structure comprising a host PC communicationpart 211, an image retain part 212, a format conversion part 213, a readpart I/F 214, a print part I/F 215, an engine information retain part216, a preview image creation part 217, and a panel I/F 218.

The preview image creation part 217 has a structure comprising a previeworiginal-image creation part 221, a preview parts-image creation part222, a preview image synthesis part 223 and a preview image retain part224.

The control panel 250 comprises a display part 251 and a UI 252.Moreover, the print part 270 comprises staple information 271. It shouldbe noted that processes of each part shown in FIG. 1 will be mentionedlater.

For the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, adescription will be given below, with reference to FIG. 2, of a processof printing according to a request by an operator after displaying apreview image in a conventional image processing system. FIG. 2 is asequence chart showing a process procedure of an image processingsystem.

For example, when a preview image display request is made by anoperator, the UI 103 of the host PC 100 sends, in step Si, a previewcreation request to the preview image creation part 105. The previewimage creation part 105 creates a preview image from print data. Then,the process proceeds to step S2 where the preview image creation part105 sends a preview image to a display part 101 as a preview result.

Then, the process proceeds to step S3 where the display part 101displays the preview image. The operator checks the preview imagedisplayed on the display part 101, and, if there is no problem, makes aprint request through the UI 103. Then, the process proceeds to step S4where the UI 103 sends the print request to the driver 102. Thus, thedriver 102 can send, in steps S5 and S6, the print request to the hostPC communication part 211 of the MFP 200 through the communication part104.

Thus, in the sequence chart shown in FIG. 2, there may be a case wherethe output result of the MFP 200 slightly differs from the preview imagesince the preview image is created on the side of the host PC 100.

A description will be now be given, with reference to FIG. 3, of aprocess of displaying a preview image in the image processing systemaccording to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sequence chart showing aprocess procedure of the image processing system according to thepresent invention. In the sequence chart shown in FIG. 3, a previewimage of print data is displayed on the display part 101.

When the a preview image display request is made by an operator, the UI103 of the host PC 100 sends, in step S11, a preview creation request tothe driver 102. Then, the process proceeds to steps S12, S13 and S14where the driver 102 sends the preview creation request to the previewimage creation part 217 through the host PC communication part 211 ofthe MFP 200.

The preview image creation part 217 creates a preview image from theprint data. Then, in steps S15, S16, S17 and S18, the preview picturecreation part 217 sends the preview image as a preview result to thedisplay part through the host PC communication part 211, thecommunication part 104 and the driver 102 of the host PC 100. Then, theprocess proceeds to step S19 where the display part 101 displays thepreview image. The operator can check the preview image displayed on thedisplay part 101.

Thus, according to the sequence chart shown in FIG. 3, the preview imageaccurately expressing the output result of the MFP 200 can be createdsince the preview image is created on the side of the MFP 200.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 4, of anotherprocess of displaying a preview image in the image processing systemaccording to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a sequence chart ofanother example of process procedure of the image processing systemaccording to the present invention. According to the sequence chart ofFIG. 4, a preview image of read data acquired by reading by the readpart 260 is displayed on the operation panel 250.

For example, when a preview image display request is made by anoperator, the operation panel 250 of the MFP 200 sends, in step stepsS21 and S22, a preview creation request to the preview image creationpart 217 through the panel I/F 218.

The preview image creation part 217 sends, in steps S23 and S24, a readrequest to the reading part 260 through the read part I/F 214. Then, theprocess proceeds to step S25 where the preview image creation part 217creates a preview image from the read data. Then, the process proceedsto step S25 and S26 where the preview image creation part 217 sends thepreview image as a preview result to the operation panel 250 through thepanel I/F 218. The display part 251 of the operation panel 250 displaysthe preview image. The operator can check the preview image displayed onthe display part 251 of the operation panel 250.

Thus, according to the sequence chart shown in FIG. 4, the preview imageaccurately expressing the output result of the MFP 200 can be createdeven if the preview image corresponds to the read data acquired by theread part 260 since the preview image is created on the side of the MFP200.

As indicated in the sequence chart shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, since theimage processing system according to the present invention creates apreview image by the preview image creation part 217 of the MFP 200,creation of the preview picture can be unified.

Furthermore, for the sake of easy understanding of the presentinvention, a description will be given below, with reference to FIG. 5,of a process of printing after a preview image is displayed in adifferent image processing system.

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart of a process performed in an image processingsystem different from the image processing system according to thepresent invention. The host PC 100 receives, in step S31, a previewimage display request from an operator. Then, the host PC 100 creates,in step S32, a preview image 500 from, for example, print data. Then,the host PC 100 displays the preview image 500.

The operator checks the displayed preview image 500. If there is noproblem in the preview image 500, the operator sends, in step S33, aprint request. Then, the host PC 100 sends, in step S34, the printrequest to the MFP 200.

The MFP 200 carries out printing based on the print request from thehost PC 100, and outputs printed matters 510 as an output result. Theprinted matters 510 are bound by two a staple 511 at two positions.

Thus, in the image processing system performing the process shown inFIG. 5, the staples 511 of the printed matter 510 at two positions arenot expressed in the preview image 500, and it cannot be determined fromthe preview image 500 whether or not the staples 511 overlap thecharacters printed on the printed matters. Additionally, a relationshipbetween the orientation of the printed matter 510 and the staples 511 inthe image processing system shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted that theabove-mentioned problem due to difference between the preview image 500and the printed matter 510 may occur when punching is applied to theprinted matter 510.

A description will be given below, with reference to FIG. 6, of aprocess of printing after a preview image is displayed in the imageprocessing system according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is asequence chart of a process performed by the image processing systemaccording to the present invention.

In step S41, the host PC 100 receives a preview image display requestfrom an operator. Then, in step S42, the host PC 100 sends a previewcreation request to the MFP 200. Then, the process proceeds to step S43where the MFP 200 creates a preview image 600 from print data. Thepreview image 600 expresses that the printed matters are bound bystaples 601 at two positions.

Then, in step S44, the MFP 200 sends the preview image as a previewresult to the host PC 100.

The host PC 100 displays the preview image 610. The preview image 610 isidentical to the preview image 600, and expresses that the printed matteis bound byte staples 611 at two positions.

The operator checks the displayed preview image 610. If there is noproblem in the preview image 610, the operator makes, in step S45, aprint request. Then, the process proceeds to step S46 where the host PC100 sends the print request to the MFP 200.

The MFP 200 carries out printing based on the print request from thehost PC 100, and outputs the printed matter 620 as an output result. Theprinted matter 620 is bound by the staples 621 at two positions.

Thus, since two staples 621 of the printed matter 620 are expressed asthe staples 601 in the preview image 600 in the image processing systemaccording to the present invention, it can be determined from thepreview image 600 whether or not the staples 601 overlap characters.Additionally, in the image processing system according to the presentinvention, a relationship between the orientation of the printed matter620 and the staples 621 can be checked.

That is, in the image processing system according to the presentinvention, a relationship between an orientation of the output resultand the staple positions or punch positions or whether or not thestaples or punch holes overlap characters can be checked before printingsince the finished image considering not only the output resultaccording to the printing function but also the finish according tofunctions other than the printing function (for example, a staplingfunction or a punching function).

Furthermore, for the sake of easy understanding of the presentinvention, a description will be given below, with reference to FIG. 7,of a process of intensive printing after a preview image is displayed inan image processing system different from the image processing systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart of a process performed by an image processingsystem different from the image processing system according to thepresent invention. In step S51, the host PC 100 receives the previewimage display request from an operator. In step S52, the host PC 100creates a preview image 700 from print data. Then, the host PC 100displays the preview image 700.

The operator checks the displayed preview image 700. However, althoughthe output result based on the print data can be checked by the previewimage 700, an intensive output result cannot be checked. Here, anexample will be described in which the operator desires an output ofprinted matter 720.

If there is no problem in the range which can be checked by the previewimage 700, the operator makes, in step S53, an intensive print request.In step S54, the host PC 100 sends the intensive print request to theMFP 200.

The MFP 200 carries out printing based on the intensive print requestfrom the host PC 100, and outputs printed matter 710 as an outputresult. The printed matter 710 differs from the printed matter 720 whichthe operator desires to have.

Thus, in the image processing system performing the process shown inFIG. 7, the appearance of the printed matter 710 as a result of theintensive output is not expressed in the preview image 700, and itcannot determine a failure in the intensive printing from the previewimage 700. Additionally, in the image processing system performing theprocess shown in FIG. 7, it is difficult to check a finish of staples orpunch holes from the preview image 700.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 8, of a processof intensive printing performed after a preview image is displayed inthe image processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 8is a sequence chart of a process performed in the image processingsystem according to the present invention.

In step S61, a host PC 100 receives a preview image display request froman operator. In step S62, the host PC 100 sends a preview creationrequest to the MFP 200. Then, the process proceeds to step S63 where theMFP 200 creates a preview image 800 from print data. The preview image800 expresses the appearance of the intensive output result. In theimage processing system according to the present invention, the previewimage 800 accurately expressing the appearance of the intensive outputresult can be created since the preview image 800 is created by the MFP200.

Then, the process proceeds to step S64 where the MFP 200 sends thepreview image 800 to the host PC 100 as a preview result. Then, the hostPC 100 displays the preview image 810. The preview image 810 isidentical to the preview image 800, and expresses the appearance of theintensive output result.

For example, when the operator desires an output of the printed matter720 shown in FIG. 7, the operator checks the preview image 810 whichshows the appearance of the intensive output result so as to determine afailure occurring in the intensive printing easily. Thus, in the imageprocessing system according to the present invention, the determinationof occurrence of a failure in the intensive printing due to, forexample, a setting error can be made since an appearance of theintensive output result is expressed in the preview image 810.

That is, in the image processing system according to the presentinvention, a failure in the intensive printing due to a setting errorcan be checked before printing since the intensive output result of theintensive printing in which an image processing is performed in the MFP200 can be displayed as the preview image 810.

A description will be given below, with reference to FIG. 9, of aprocess of displaying a preview image which is formed by synthesizingprint data and a format for synthesis retained by the MFP 200 in theimage processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is asequence chart of a process performed in the image processing systemaccording to the present invention.

In step S71, the host PC 100 receives a preview image display requestfrom the operator. In step S72, the host PC 100 sends a preview creationrequest to the MFP 200. Then, the process proceeds to step S73 where theMFP 200 creates a preview image 902 by synthesizing an image 900according to the print data and a format 900 for synthesis stored in theMFP 200. In the image processing system according to the presentinvention, a preview image 902, which is a result of synthesis of theimage 900 according to the print data and the format 901 for synthesisstored in the MFP 200, can be created since the preview image 902 iscreated by the MFP 200.

Then, the process proceeds to step S74 where the MFP 200 sends thepreview image 902 to the host PC 100 as a preview result. The host PC100 displays a preview image 910. The preview image 910 is identical tothe preview image 902, and expresses an appearance of the output resultin which the image 900 according to the print data and the format 901for synthesis stored in the MFP 200 are synthesized.

Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention,the appearance of the output result in which the image 900 according tothe print data and the format 901 for synthesis stored in the MFP 200are synthesized can be checked since the appearance of the output resultin which the image 900 according to the print data and the format 901for synthesis stored in the MFP 200 are synthesized is expressed in thepreview image 910.

That is, in the image processing system according to the presentinvention, the output result of the synthesis printing can be checkedbefore printing since the output result according to the synthesisprinting in which an image processing is performed in the MFP 200 can bedisplayed as the preview image 910.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 10, of a featureof the image processing system of the present invention which unifiescreation of preview images. FIG. 10 is an illustration for explaining afeature of the image processing system according to the presentinvention which unifies creation of a preview image.

In the image processing system according to the present invention, thepreview image creation part 217 is provided to the control part 210 ofthe MFP 200. Thus, in the image processing system according to thepresent invention, the same preview image can be achieved irrespectiveof the input means such as the host PC or the read part 260 by unifyingthe preview image creation part 217. Additionally, the MFP 200 accordingto the present invention can display the preview image, which is createdin accordance with the preview creation request from the host PC 100, onthe operation panel 250 of its own.

FIG. 11 is an illustration for explaining a feature of the imageprocessing system according to the present invention which unifiescreation of a preview image. In the image processing system according tothe present invention, similar to FIG. 10, the preview image creationpart 217 is provided to the control part 210 of the MFP 200. Thus, inthe image processing system according to the present invention, adifference between operating systems of a host PCs 100 a and 100 b canbe absorbed by unifying the preview image creation part 217.

For example, as an example in which a difference exists in the operatingsystem, there is a case where the host PC 100 a uses Windows (registeredtrademark) and the host PC 100 uses MAC (registered trademark).Accordingly, in the image processing system according to the presentinvention, a difference between the host PCs 100 a and 100 b can beeliminated by unifying the preview image creation part 217 so as toachieve the same preview image.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 12, of a featureof the image processing system according to the present invention, whichunifies creation of a preview image for each MFP 200. FIG. 12 is anillustration for explaining a feature of the image processing systemaccording to the present invention, which unifies creation of a previewimage for each MFP.

In the image processing system according to the present invention, adifference peculiar to equipments between MFPs 200 a and 200 b, such as,for example, an orientation of a staple, is absorbed by unifyingcreation of a preview image for each of the MFPs 200 a and 200 b. Forexample, the MFP 200 a creates a preview image 1200 in which a stapleextends in a slanting direction. On the other hand, the MFP 200 bcreates a preview image in which a staple extends in a verticaldirection. Accordingly, in the image processing system according to thepresent invention, a preview image corresponding to the differencepeculiar to each equipment of the MFPs 200 a and 200 b can be achievedby unifying creation of the preview image for each MFP.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 13, of a featureof the image processing system according to the present invention, whichcreates a finished image considering not only an output result accordingto a printing function but also a finish according to a function otherthan a printing function

FIG. 13 is an illustration for explaining a feature of the imageprocessing system according to the present invention, which crates afinished image considering not only an output result according to aprinting function but also a function other than the printing function,as a preview image.

Print data or read data from the host PC 100, the read part 260, anotherhost PC 100 a connected via the network 300, and the MFP 200 a aresupplied to the format conversion part 213, and is converted into aunified format. Then, a preview original-image creation part 221 createsan original image for preview from the print data or the read data,which has been converted into a unified format.

Moreover, the preview parts-image creation part 222 acquires equipmentinformation such as, for example, staple information 271 of the printpart 270 so as to create a parts image for review. It should be notedthat the parts-image for preview is an image expressed as a finishedimage corresponding to a staple, a punch hole, a format of synthesis, astamp, etc.

The preview image synthesis part 223 creates a preview image 1300 bysynthesizing the original image for preview created by the previeworiginal-image creation part 221 and a parts image for preview createdby the preview parts-image creation part 222.

Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention,the same preview image 1300 can be displayed on any of the host PC 100,the operation panel 250, the host PC 100 b connected via the network 300and the MFP 200 b by unitarily performing creation of the preview image1300 by the MFP 200.

Moreover, in the image processing system according to the presentinvention, a preview image in which a part peculiar to each equipment(for example, an orientation of a staple) is expressed accurately, canbe created by unitarily performing creation of the preview image 1300 bythe MFP 200.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a process based on the preview image displayrequest from the host PC. In step S100, the preview image creation part217 determined whether a preview image display request has been sentfrom the host PC 100. If there is the preview image display request sentfrom the host PC 100, the process proceeds to step S101 where thepreview image creation part 217 converts print data or read datacorresponding to the preview display request into unified format data byusing the format conversion part 213. The preview original-imagecreation part 221 creates an original image for preview from the printeddata or the read data, which has been converted into the unified formatdata.

Then, in step S102, the preview parts-image creation part 222 acquiresstaple information 271 from, for example, the print part 270. Then, instep S103, the preview parts-image creation part 222 creates aparts-image for preview from the acquired staple information.

Then, in step S104, the preview image synthesis part 223 determines anorientation of the original image for preview and a position of theparts-image for preview. Then, the process proceeds to step S105 wherethe preview image synthesis part 223 creates a preview image bysynthesizing the original image for preview and the parts-image forpreview.

Then, the process proceeds to step S106 where the preview imagesynthesis part 223 saves the preview image in the preview image retainpart 224. Then, in step S107, the preview image creation part 217 sendsthe preview image saved in the preview image retain part 224 to the hostPC 100, and the process proceeds to step S108. Additionally, if there isno preview image display request from the host PC 100 in step S100, theprocess proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the control part 210 judges existence of the print requestfrom the host PC 100. If there is no print request, the control part 210continues the return process to the process of step S100. If there isthe print request, the control part 210 performs the printing process ofstep S109. After the process of step S109 is completed, the processreturns to step S100.

Therefore, in the image processing system according to the presentinvention, the process based on the print request is performed uponchecking whether or not a relationship between a staple position and adirection of an output result or whether or not a staple overlapscharacters since the finished image can be displayed as the previewimage.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process based on a print request from theoperation panel of its own. In step S120, the preview image creationpart 217 determined whether or not there has been a print request sentfrom the operation panel of its own. If there is the print request fromthe operation panel 250, the process proceeds to step S121 where thepreview image creation part 217 determines whether or not it is set toperform a preview.

If it is set to perform a preview, the process proceeds to step S122where the preview image creation part 217 converts print data or readdata corresponding to the preview image display request into unifiedformat data by using the format conversion part 213. Additionally, thepreview original-image creation part 221 creates an original image forpreview from the print data or the read data, which has been convertedinto the unified format data.

Then, in step S123, the preview parts-image creation part 222 acquiresstaple information 271 from, for example, the print part 270. Then, instep S124, the preview parts-image creation part 222 creates aparts-image for preview from the acquired staple information.

Then, in step S125, the preview image synthesis part 223 determines anorientation of the original image for preview and a position of theparts-image for preview. Then, the process proceeds to step S126 wherethe preview image synthesis part 223 creates a preview image bysynthesizing the original image for preview and the parts-image forpreview. Then, the process proceeds to step S127 where the preview imagesynthesis part 223 saves the preview image in the preview image retainpart 224.

Then, in step S128, the control part 210 displays the preview image,which is saved in the preview image retain part 224, on the operationpanel. If there is no problem in the preview image, the operator inputs“check OK” through, for example, the operation panel 250. If the “checkOK” is input through the operation panel 250, the control part 210performs the print process of step S130. Additionally, if it is set tonot perform a preview in step S121, the control part 210 performs theprint process of step S130. It should be noted that the process returnsto step S120 after the process of steps S130 and S131 is completed.

On the other hand, if there is a problem in the preview image, theoperator inputs “check NG” through, for example, the operation panel250. If the “check. NG” is input through the operation panel 250, theprocess proceeds to step S131 where the control part 210 discards theimage and the preview image corresponding to the print request. Itshould be noted that the process returns to step S120 if there is noprint request from the operation panel 250 in step S120.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example of the preview image accordingto the present invention. The preview image 1600 shown in FIG. 16 iscreated by synthesizing an original image 1601 of intensive printing forpreview, a parts image 1602 for preview of a staple, and a parts image1603 for preview of a stamp. The preview image 1600 expresses not onlyan output result according to a printing function but also a finishedimage considering finish according to a function other than the printingfunction.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of another example of the preview imageaccording to the present invention. The preview image 1700 shown in FIG.17 is created by synthesizing an original image 1701 for preview ofboth-sides printing and a parts image 1702 for preview of a staple. Whena next page is designated in the preview image 1700 of FIG. 17, the hostPC 100, for example, displays a preview image 1710 on the display part101. The preview images 1700 ad 1710 express not only an output resultaccording to a printing function but also a finished image consideringfinish according to a function other than the printing function.

In the image processing system according to the present invention, if arelationship between an output result and a position of the staple inthe preview image is not what intended to, the relationship between theoutput result and the staple position can be adjusted as follows.

FIG. 18 is an illustration showing a relationship between the outputresult and the staple position. A preview image 1800 of FIG. 18 is anexample of failure in stapling because a staple 1801 is located at aposition which the operator does not intend to. A preview image 1810 isan example of success in stapling because a staple 1811 is located at aposition which the operator intends to.

The failure in stapling in the preview image 1800 occurs due toincorrect determination of the direction of the output result. Thus, inthe MFP 200 according to the present invention, by enabling adesignation of an orientation of an original document set in anautomatic document feeder (ADF), the preview image 1800 in which afailure occurs in stapling can be adjusted to the preview image 1810 inwhich stapling is succeeded.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are illustrations showing orientations of an originaldocument set in the ADF. FIG. 20 is an illustration of a screen fordesignating an orientation of an original document set in the ADF. Whenan original document is set in the ADF as shown in

FIG. 19A, the operator should press a button 2002 in the screen 2000shown in FIG. 20. On the other hand, when an original document is set inthe ADF as shown in FIG. 19B, the operator should press a button 2001 inthe screen 2000 shown in FIG. 20.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosedembodiments, and variations and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

1. An image processing apparatus having a printing function, comprising:a preview original-image creation part that creates an original imagefor preview based on print data; a preview parts image creation partthat creates a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment; apreview image synthesis part that synthesizes a preview image from saidoriginal-image for preview and said parts-image for preview; and apreview image retaining part that retains the preview image.